Multi-Housing News - September 2008 - (Page 6)

It’s Time for a Change What Are You Doing Today to Emerge Stronger from the Downturn? Seven years ago, when I wore a different hat—reporting on the commercial design industry—I was sent uptown to cover an international hotelier’s press conference. In those post-9/11 days, the economy was faltering and, needless to say, travel was down. Things were slow all around, but especially so in the hospitality sector. So I was surprised by the lavish luncheon on which the press feasted, and even more so by the brand’s ambitious plans to revamp every last room in its international portfolio. I also recall being impressed by the high-profile design team assembled and their renderings of the proposed re-design—right down to the futuristic digital art in the lobbies and the flat screen TVs in every room (another example of yesterday’s luxury becoming today’s standard feature). But, as the spokesperson noted, the best time to renovate is when reservations are down and rooms are empty. So, by making a sizable investment then, the business was positioning itself to emerge from the downturn ahead of the competition. Diversification is another way to gain an advantage during slow times. “When the market ebbs and flows, you can either take a breather until it comes back, or you can see the market slowing down and you can move into something new.” This advice comes from Jorge Pérez, founder, chairman and CEO of The Related Group of Florida, interviewed by MHN Managing Editor Teresa O’Dea Hein for September’s Executive Insight (page 8). “Rather than sitting there and watching your pond dry up, you can find another ocean to swim in. In the current market, multifamily developers could be best served by remembering a key principle of change—namely, that change is a given.” In keeping with this theme of change, MHN is rolling out a series of new products, beginning with this first issue of our newly designed magazine. Less paper means less waste, and our new format will also fit easier into your briefcase. The print issue is also now available at www.multi-housingnews.com for those who prefer to read online—or to share the magazine with a colleague or client. In January, we’ll launch several new print departments, including “What Renters Want” and “This Month in Multi-Housing.” An expanded products section reporting emerging kitchen and bath trends will help enterprising owners/investors position their properties for success. We know that many of you have plans to renovate. Doing so now, so that you emerge from the downturn in a position of strength, is a smart move. MULTI-HOUSING NEWS MHN VP BUILDING & DESIGN MEDIA GROUP Patrick L. Brennan patrick.brennan@nielsen.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Natasha Selhi nselhi@multi-housingnews.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Associate Publisher: Natasha Selhi nselhi@multi-housingnews.com 516-682-6041/fax: 516-682-6100 Online Account Executive: Lis Perry lis.perry@nielsen.com 646-654-5526/fax: 646-654-5817 CLASSIFIED & GALLERY ADS Account Executive: Fatima Ruiz fatima.ruiz@nielsen.com 646-654-5763/fax: 646-792-7108 MARKETING DIRECTOR Kevin Marty kevin.marty@nielsen.com 516-682-6149/fax: 516-682-6166 ONLINE PUBLICATIONS www.multi-housingnews.com MHN Daily Email Blast MHN Property Management MHN Green Building & Design MHN Finance & Investment CONFERENCES Account Executive: David Sojka david.sojka@nielsen.com 516-682-6113/fax: 516-682-6166 Multi-Housing World Conference and Expo Green + Design Conference and Expo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Diana Mosher dmosher@multi-housingnews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Keat Foong kfoong@multi-housingnews.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jonathan Marsland jonathan.marsland@nielsen.com ART DIRECTOR Michelle Matteson mmatteson@multi-housingnews.com MANAGING EDITOR Teresa O’Dea Hein thein@multi-housingnews.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Erika Schnitzer erika.schnitzer@multi-housingnews.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Michael Russo ONLINE NEWS EDITOR Anuradha Kher anuradha.kher@nielsen.com MHN BLOG Erin Brereton www.multi-housingnews.com/blog PRODUCTION MANAGER Jean Loesch jean.loesch@nielsen.com CIRCULATION Hallmark/ESP/ICN mhn@halldata.com Diana Mosher Editor-in-Chief We invite you to comment on MHN’s redesign and/or to share your own renovation challenges and successes. Diana Mosher can be reached at dmosher@multi-housingnews.com 6 September 2008 | Multi-Housing News | Producer of Multi-Housing World http://www.multi-housingnews.com http://www.multi-housingnews.com http://www.multi-housingnews.com http://www.multi-housingnews.com/blog

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Multi-Housing News - September 2008

Multi-Housing News - September 2008
Contents
Calendar of Events
From the Editor
Executive Insight
Property Management: Growth Plans
Development & Design: Low-Rise Trends
Market Pulse
Special Report: Green Design Makes 'Cents'
Market Report: Boston
Top Architects List
Finance: HUD
Products: Cabinetry
Tech Report: Internet Listing Services
NMHC Notebook
Property Showcase: Fitness Center

Multi-Housing News - September 2008